Suicidal TendenciesNo Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family

History is repeating itself. Way back in 1993, formative skate punks Suicidal Tendencies had to rebound from being seen as "too metal" and prove they were still tougher than most punk bands by re-recording their eponymous debut. Dubbed Still Cyco After All These Years, it was interesting, if nothing more. After numerous years of relative inactivity, they've taken that same path with No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family, attacking sophomore work Join The Army, coupling it with No Mercy's second album (featuring guitarist Mike Clark), which receives the same do over treatment. Ugh. While these versions are just as vicious, fast and energetic as the originals, they lack the enthusiasm of a young, hungry band documenting fresh material for the first time. Moreover, after 23 years of hearing the inaugural recordings, such overly crisp onslaughts feel like borderline blasphemy. From too much bass slapping and guitar wankery worthy of a Steve Vai album to the fact that this music is still a quarter-century old, it's a rehashing of a used idea. Were this the first time they'd tried such a stunt, it would be forgivable, even passable. As is, it's a curiosity with some highlights ("I Feel Your Pain And I Survive" is ripping), but diminishing returns. Besides, if they had time to re-record an album that was fine as is, it's time to quit stalling and get to some new shit already.
(Suicidal)